D.C. delays N.Y. Ave. traffic shift

The District Department of Transportation has decided to delay the change in the traffic pattern at New York and Florida avenues NE until June 11. The department had planned to make the change Friday night, but announced Thursday that it needs to complete adjustments to the traffic signal timings and make some other technical adjustments.

Weather permitting, the new plan will take effect starting at 9 p.m. on June 11. It will create a circular traffic pattern around the Wendy's restaurant at the busy intersection, which also includes First Street and Eckington Place.

The reconfiguration of the intersection, a $3 million project intended to improve circulation and safety, is scheduled to be done in August. The transportation department says it will announce the final traffic pattern at that time.

Meanwhile, here's what to expect:
-- First Street NE will become one-way southbound from Florida Avenue to New York Avenue.
-- Florida Avenue will be limited to one-way traffic westbound between O and First streets NE.
-- Eastbound Florida Avenue traffic will be detoured to First Street. From there, drivers can go left at New York Avenue and right on O Street to return to Florida Avenue. (This is a change from the original detour route announced last week.)
-- Northbound First Street traffic heading for westbound New York or Florida avenues will be temporarily detoured via M and Third streets NE.
-- Southbound Eckington Place traffic will no longer be allowed to turn left on Florida Avenue. Eckington traffic will use First Street to reach New York Avenue and eastbound Florida Avenue.